Method and apparatus for excluding rodents and other animals from a structure

Abstract

A Drip Edge Configuration (aka Rodent Proof Drip Edge System) is designed for residential use to cover the construction gap above the fascia to prevent rodent entry and to direct water into the gutters. The Drip Edge Configuration also comes with a Roof Return Configuration to seal the gap where the soffit meets the shingles. Finally, The Drip Edge Configuration also has the option for venting in the rare occasion where a house has no soffit or additional venting is required. An improved drip edge which includes holes in the fascia-facing face which allows the drip edge to be screwed from the face using screws with rubber washers for a water proof seal just as used on a metal roof for a rodent proof solution. An improved drip edge which includes also galvanized steel and is flexible enough to cut and bend for proper installation to have rodent proof inside and outside corners. A roof return configuration to seal the construction gap where the soffit meets the shingles.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A multi-component device for discouraging pest entry into a dwelling having a roof, said roof including a roof deck portion including a substantially planar outer surface portion, and a roof fascia portion, said roof deck portion and said roof fascia portion defining an elongate gap therebetween, said gap lying generally along an elongate horizontal axis; said device comprising:
 A) an elongate drip edge length having a substantially consistent transverse cross section, said drip edge length comprising:
 1) an elongate substantially planar deck facing section defining two opposing primary planar surfaces, said deck facing section configured to have a portion of one of said primary planar surfaces facing a portion of said roof deck portion such that said one primary planar surface is substantially parallel to said planar outer surface portion of said roof deck portion, said planar deck facing section also including a rearward elongate free edge and an opposing forward edge; 
 2) an elongate substantially planar overhanging section, said overhanging section extending from said forward edge of said deck facing section and configured to angle back from it towards said roof fascia to a rearward overhanging section edge; 
 3) an elongate substantially planar fascia facing section attached to an edge of said overhanging section, said fascia facing section configured to have a portion of one primary planar surface facing said roof fascia portion; and 
 4) an elongate substantially planar drip edge section, said drip edge section configured to extend at an angle outward from the lower edge of said fascia facing section, and terminating in an elongate free edge; and 
 
 B) a fastener being elongate,
 said fastener including a portion passing through said fascia facing section and attaching said fascia facing section relative to said roof fascia portion, 
 
 said elongate drip edge length covering said elongate gap and discouraging pests from accessing said elongate gap and entering therethrough; and 
 C) an elongate gutter having a substantially consistent transverse cross section, said transverse cross section being generally U-shaped and defining an upwardly facing open channel, 
 such that said elongate free edge of said drip edge of said fascia facing portion is positioned within said gutter opening, and 
 wherein said elongate fastener passes through said fascia facing portion at a level which is vertically higher than said gutter, such that said fastener does not engage said gutter but is positioned vertically above it, and such that said fastener holds said fascia facing portion in place such that a portion of said gutter below said fastener is captured between said fascia facing portion and said roof fascia portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The multi-component device for discouraging pest entry as claimed in  claim 1 , such that said portion of said gutter is in planar contact with said fascia facing portion on one side, and such that said portion of said gutter is in planar contact said roof fascia portion on an opposing side. 
     
     
       3. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate substantially planar fascia facing section includes pre-drilled holes to allow said fasteners to pass therethrough. 
     
     
       4. The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said fastener includes a metal screw with a flexible seal element around the metal shaft of said screw to keep water out. 
     
     
       5. The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said flexible seal element of said fastener assembly is a rubber washer. 
     
     
       6. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said fastener includes a metal screw with a flexible seal element around the metal shaft of said screw to keep water out. 
     
     
       7. The device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said flexible seal element of said fastener assembly is a rubber washer. 
     
     
       8. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate drip edge length is made of galvanized sheet metal. 
     
     
       9. The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate drip edge length is bendable for inside or outside corners by use of cutting and folding.